A phase transition due to thick vortices in SU(2) lattice gauge theory

TL;DR

This paper investigates how thick vortex loops in SU(2) lattice gauge theory cause a phase transition, even after thin monopoles are eliminated, highlighting the role of thick vortices in long-range fluctuations.

Contribution

It demonstrates the existence of a phase transition driven by thick vortices in SU(2) lattice gauge theory after removing thin monopoles, revealing new insights into vortex dynamics.

Findings

Thick vortex condensate persists after thin vortices vanish.

Thick vortices decouple at a lower temperature than thin vortices.

A Z(2)-like phase transition is driven by thick vortices.

Abstract

SU(2) lattice gauge theory is studied after eliminating thin monopoles and the smallest thick monopoles. Kinematically this constraint allows thick vortex loops which produce long range Z(2) fluctuations. The thick vortex loops are identified in a three dimensional simulation. A condensate of thick vortices persists even after the thin vortices have all disappeared. They decouple at a slightly lower temperature (higher $\beta$) than the thin vortices and drive a Z(2) like phase transition.